Big events in March, big month in April, big change in 2024
It’s been an eventful month here at the BCCSA, and the near future looks just as busy.
On March 7, researchers from the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction at Simon Fraser University presented preliminary findings from Blueprint for Action to an audience of 85. The study was designed to better understand the state of substance use in the BC construction sector and to provide robust evidence to create meaningful programs to target the problem. While news articles in recent years claimed that the BC construction sector was “ground zero” for opioid addiction, the research suggests otherwise.
Integrating data collected from 639 construction workers and 35 senior industry leaders, study findings indicated that, while prescription opioid use may contribute to excess mortality in the construction sector, alcohol and other drugs play a much larger role. In addition, socioeconomic and job-related-factors appear to play a key role in determining the level of alcohol and other drug risks in the trades.
“This research changes our understanding about the type of substance use we’re seeing in construction,” says Mike McKenna, Executive Director, BCCSA. “With this evidence, we believe we’ll be able to devise programs that more effectively address substance use.”
At our Eat & Greet Langley Outreach Event held March 1, more than 100 people turned out, including the BCCSA executive and Board of Directors, employer members and their employees.
“Response to the event was great,” says Lui Garcea, Director, Marketing, Partnerships & Provincial TCP Program with the BCCSA. “We received a clear message that people want to see more of these types of events.”
In April, the BCCSA marks Construction Month 2023, a celebration of the BC construction industry’s many contributions to the province. The Alliance is a gold sponsor of the event, organized by the British Columbia Construction Association.
We’d also like to remind our members of the steady approach of January 1, 2024. On that day, provincial regulations will require all concrete pump operators to be certified. The good news is that there’s still time left for operators to be certified under BCCSA’s Certified Concrete Pump Operator (CCPO) program — so register today.
Finally, meet our newest COR® Program Coordinator, MJ Angeles, a friendly voice on the phone for employers looking to renew COR® certification — and an experienced Internet brand ambassador in her spare time.
